On the afternoon of March 19, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Irvington High School in Fremont to dedicate a computer lab to Lam Research for its contributions to the school. Resulting from a "joint partnership between industry and education," the high school's computer repair classroom has been successfully renovated, complete with updated electrical wiring, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and 36 new computers.

Ten to 15 students of Irvington's High Tech Militia (HTM) spent two full days clearing out old computers and desks. Much of the technical and financial support came from Lam Research, The SEMI Foundation, Mission Valley ROP, Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), and Ohlone College.

"It's a great example of collaboration," said MVROP Superintendent Charles Brown about the finished computer lab. "Together, we can really ensure success for the students. It really takes everybody to do that."

The SEMI Foundation also supports such programs as High Tech U, a free, three-day program in which high school students are given hands-on exposure to the technological industry. Many FUSD students, a majority of them from Irvington, have taken advantage of this summertime experience to better understand and further their career goals.

Renovations of this computer lab will complement Irvington's new Information and Communication Technology Career Pathway (ICT). The program, which has been officially launched and is available to students for the school year of 2008-09, will open up a wider spectrum of technology classes for career-minded Irvington students. Classes ranging from robotics to web design to computer repair may be selected to meet a variety of interests, while English, history and science classes will be taught with a high-tech twist. Career planning, college planning, and internships will also help prepare ICT students for college and future careers.

The program aims to gather young individuals interested in exploring their interests in computer technology and prepares students for careers that employ their skills by making the most of the high school experience.

In his speech, Lam Research Group Vice President Steve Lindsay included the reminder that Irvington was a school widely acclaimed for its unique projects that foster individual and subject-area development. Brown said a career pathway, such as ICT, is all about creating connections, striving for clarity, and valuing collaboration.

Other speakers of the Wednesday ceremony were FUSD Superintendent Doug Gephart, Irvington High School Principal Pete Murchison, and Vice President of The SEMI foundation Lisa Anderson. Following the ribbon cutting, Tech Lab instructor Mike McCall demonstrated the use of software to coordinate school-wide, student-provided technical services. To McCall, the efficient resolution of daily difficulties will rely on the students' cooperation in the workplace.

For more information about Irvington's ICT Career Pathway, visit www.irvington.org/ict.